Thranduil had felt the presence of his only son returning to him. Knowing that he would bring the one who would soon become his wife with him, he arranged for her a place to stay to make her feel welcome. A grand feast was to be had this night, going late into the night, all to celebrate the return of his sole heir. He had been looking forward to his son's return with the battle-proven elleth, this would give them all some time to get to know each other better.

With observant eyes he watched as Legolas grabbed the beautiful she-elf's hand and stepped towards him. He kept the amusement from his gaze as he sensed the nervousness of the young princess among men, yet he was proud that she kept her emotions from appearing on her face. She was a true warrior indeed, and that knowledge pleased him. This was to be a joyous moment, she would see that soon. His people would welcome her openly, of this he knew.

"Father," Legolas stated warmly as he bowed and grasped his father's shoulder in the traditional greeting of warriors.

"My son has returned, the forest rejoices," the king spoke before moving to the lovely young she-elf, "Lady Amina, it is a pleasure to have you in our wood, your beauty shines brightly under the care of these trees."

She bowed and couldn't stop the slight blush from appearing on her cheeks, "Thank you my lord, it is good to see you." And not for the first or last time, she was ever grateful to Aragorn for teaching her what he knew of the elves and their languages so long ago.

Thranduil stared at her for a moment longer to let her see the acceptance in his gaze. He then turned and ushered for two huge doors of stone to be opened and quietly led his son and future daughter into his domain.

Amina was in awe of the place as they neared the large cave entrance, everything around her was aesthetically beautiful and pleasing to the eye. She had never felt more connected with her surroundings. The river they had once followed through the forest fell from a waterfall and gently flowed along wooded lands. But the large cavern itself was incredibly light and airy inside and spectacularly gorgeous.

Thranduil gave her a brief tour of the main areas of his palace, and she smiled when she found that he had provided her with sleeping quarters very close to that of himself and his son. Legolas himself had remain with them, of course, he wasn't about to leave her side after just arriving. The three of them then retired briefly in the large throne room to quietly discuss the new events of Minas Tirith. Thranduil was rather pleased to see the lady coming more and more out of her shell as she carried on about the birth of Aragorn and Arwen's first child. He also hadn't missed the affectionate gaze of longing that his son sent the rather beautiful princess. And the elven king could not hide the amusement in his eyes as his son retold a particular mishap of their adventure on the way here of when he's dumped water all over the female elf. It was clear that Legolas was happy and as a father he couldn't ask for more than what could be found in Amina for a daughter.

Considering all the stolen looks and secret smiles the two were sharing before his very eyes, it was obvious the two had grown quite close. Thranduil enjoyed the look of raw contentment that graced the fair face of his only son. And when he peered at the lady Amina, his gaze held nothing but gratitude. Usually elves marry young yet he supposed that his son had taken after him in that regard. Though Legolas had exceeded the age of when he married his mother, it was only by eight hundred years. They had discussed the matter long ago, ages ago really, and his son had told him then that he hadn't met the one that was meant for him, not yet. So all this time, he had been patiently waiting for his heir to take a wife and settle down. Like his father, Legolas was a master assassin and excellent diplomat. He had full trust that his son would rule well when the time came for him to sail for Valinor. And now finally he bore witness to his son finding his mate.

The evening wore on and Amina had finally found herself comfortable while in the presence with Legolas's father. Thranduil had shown her every courtesy to make her feel welcome and she had noticed that he listened and acknowledged all she said as though her words mattered. She shouldn't have been surprised though, for Legolas was not only similar to his father when it came to looks, but also by their shared noble demeanor.

They had all picked up the sounds of laughing and singing from the forest and this marked the beginning of the celebratory feast being held in their honor. Amina did her best to fight off any shyness when Thranduil had introduced her to his elven guard and the rest of the wood-elves. Legolas had made sure that she was well met by all of his old friends and laughed as some of the elven maidens eventually stole away with her. He was happy and proud of his kin knowing how wary they could be of strangers, though he was certain they all had known of her by now. She had been part of the battle for Dol Gulder, fighting alongside the elves of both Lorien and Mirkwood. She served as a companion to him in the fellowship, and had become a beloved princess of the Reunited Kingdom. And their acceptance of her brought about a warm lightness to his heart knowing she was welcomed sincerely by his people.

Why Amina had ever felt insecure and shy when she was introduced to all of these friendly and welcoming elves she would never know. They were kind, lovely to her even, singing and dancing merrily as the first light of the stars began to shine down around them. And she couldn't ever remember carrying several conversations for this long in elvish before now. By the time Legolas caught up with her a few hours into the night, his eyes delighted to see her hair had been beautifully braided with precious flowers throughout. It had been a while since he'd seen her hair pulled back and her pointed ears to be proudly on display and he loved to see her so at ease among his kin. But it was the happy shine in her eyes as she continued to giggle at something one of his oldest friends was saying that brought pure joy to his heart. His love was honestly enjoying herself and Legolas could picture her laughing and dancing just like this for the rest of his life.

Thranduil hadn't been the only one to notice that the elven prince's gaze seem fixed on the lovely maiden whom traveled with him. Legolas did not hide the fact that his attention was focused on her and sharp eyes picked up on the shared gazes between the two every now and then. The elven guard and maidens began to peer at the lady elf in a new light. Had their prince finally chosen a bride? The excitement began to grow within the hearts of the wood-elves even though no one gave voice to their suspicions. At least not while in the presence of the king and his son where they could hear their whispered musings. The elves of Greenwood carried on in their celebrations even as all of their attention was focused on the actions of their prince and his beautiful companion.

The dancing and singing and feasting and drinking went well into the night. Amina had found that she had become rather fond of a number of certain elves, particularly those that gave her untold stories of Legolas as an elfling. She sat near a large fire and became enraptured with every word told to her of his wild youth. Amina could just imagine a fiery young Legolas running through the woods and just beginning to learn how to wield his bow.

Never had she been part of an elven feast quite like this. Talking and laughing under the light from the moon and stars. It was no small wonder why Legolas had spoken so fondly of his home, she was half in love with this place and these elves herself and this was yet her first evening among them! The joy of all there seemed contagious and she let the feeling consume her completely, it felt so wonderful to let go of all her reserves and simply enjoy the atmosphere. She didn't have to be on guard around these people, she didn't have to pretend to be someone she wasn't. And for that alone she loved them.

As the night wound down and Legolas finally managed to get her to sing with him for his father, it was then that all had realized they were courting already. Not only was their prince adorning an unfamiliar yet beautiful pendant around his neck but the lady elf in question was proudly wearing the broach that had once belonged to their queen. Thranduil's content smile as he listened to the harmony of his son and his chosen one was serene. With misty eyes his gaze remained on that very pin he'd presented to his wife to court her, it had brought him much happiness when his son asked his permission to give it to Amina long months ago. It told him how very serious and deep his feelings for the lady were.

Their combined song had ended and not for the first time, Amina was happy that she'd had a bit of the strong elven wine beforehand. Still, her eyes softened as Legolas took her hand and quietly took her away from the bright fire. Out into the old forest is where he led her under the dancing light of the moon and stars.

They laughed as they shared a close, intimate dance together, reveling in this stolen time alone. The wind had begun to swirl around them and Legolas took notice of soft petals flowing freely on the breeze. This was what he had always imagined when he pictured her in the woods of his homeland. With flowers strung in her hair and her face bathed in the moonlight under the forest trees in spring. Holding her close to him as they danced to the music heard off in the distance. There was love for him shining in her brilliant eyes and he determined that he'd never seen her as beautiful as she was this night. Legolas didn't want to forget anything about this moment and he knew the time had finally come.

When he stopped their movements of dancing under the stars Amina peered and saw one of the most breathtakingly beautiful smiles to have ever graced his lips as he stared down at her. He pulled her firmly into his embrace and she closed her eyes, feeling his body pressed against her made her feel complete and as though she was home. Then she felt the warmth of his breath along her neck and shoulder and her arms tightened around him in response. His mouth moved to her ear and his words rendered her still.

"I love you, Amina," he whispered passionately in her ear, "marry me."

It was at that moment that he pulled back and presented two plain silver rings for her to see. Amina's eyes turned wide and her mouth parted in awed disbelief. Her gaze moved to stare into his intense blue gaze only to return to the silver rings in his hand. The breath in her lungs stilled as the significance of this moment washed through her. Even from the start she had known that he would hold her heart forever. And now here he was, promising himself to her for the rest of their lives. This night, this perfectly beautiful night, it was made for them. A sudden shock of tears threatened to spill onto her cheeks as a flood of happiness filled her. She wanted to cry but she couldn't, so happy and in love was she.

Legolas felt anxiety enter his heart as she merely continued to stare between him and the rings he was holding with tears growing in her eyes, "Please Amina, this silence is heavy and eating away at my soul. Will you say nothing?"

"Yes," she finally managed to find her voice as she whispered in excitement as tears finally fell from her long lashes, "Legolas, of course!"

His arms came around her and he lifted her up, his mouth on hers as he twirled her around him, kissing her lips, her cheeks, her eyes, just everything that he could touch. He could feel and taste the saltiness of her joyful tears as she made him the happiest elf alive. Bringing her down his mouth pressed hard against hers and she feverishly moved her own lips against him. Both began to moan low in their throats as the passion that was always just under the surface ignited within. Pulling back he held her, just simply held the one he loved with all he had.

They were both smiling and even he had unshed tears as he slipped the smaller of the silver bands onto the index finger of her right hand. And he watched as she lovingly placed his own band over his finger. Sharing a natural happiness and laughter, their hands entwined and they fell silent as they gazed at one another in love. Everything they had ever gone through led to this moment. The long years of his existence, her early struggles in life, it had all brought them to each other. And together they would face the world as one.

Legolas and Amina remained in that secret part of the forest for a long while, sharing sweet tender kisses and holding onto to one another as the next chapter of their life began. Off in the distance they could still hear the wood-elves and their king celebrating. With a soft smile, he took her hand and slowly they walked back towards the cheerful elves. With Amina at his side, he moved to stand directly in front of his father, the fact that all had gone mostly silent was not lost to either of them. It was hard for anyone present to not notice their prince and his lady practically glowing with love for one another. More than one of the maidens held their hands to their chests as they gazed with smiles on their faces while peering at them. The elves seemed to know what had transpired between them without even needing to be told.

"Father," Legolas began as he raised Amina's right hand, "I have asked the lady Amina to become my bride," his lips kissed the back of her hand, "and she has accepted me."

Thranduil then stood and stared at them each before a grin stole over his face and brought his son into his embrace. He was quick to take the shoulders of the beautiful elleth that brought such joy into his son's life and gently he kissed her forehead. This action acknowledged his approval of his son's choice for a wife and the elves gaily began to congratulate the newly engaged couple.

The celebration was brought into complete form as the announcement of the prince's betrothal was carried throughout the woods. It seemed all of the wood-elves at some point came up to them to wish them the best and congratulated the two of them. There were only a few scattered moments where they were left in peace and it was never long before someone or another approached them happily.

Several hours had been spent and the joyous feast had been enjoyed. A while ago the wood-elves bid their king, prince, and soon-to-be princess a happy evening. Thranduil himself retired not long ago kissing both of them on the cheek before leaving their side. When they were alone once more, Legolas took her hand with a soft smile pulling at his mouth and led her through the woods. He brought her to the very edge of Greenwood overlooking a waterfall that fell down into a lazy river and eventually fed into a large lake far off into the distance.

He encircled her waist with his strong arms from behind and in silence they watched the grey hours of morning give way to a beautiful dawn. The charming early colors of daybreak marked the starting point of a new life for them.

End.

A/N **Blu: After reading through this story again, I feel this is a great place to end it. It's been nearly two years since the last update and I have to accept that my muse is not coming back on this one and where I originally wanted to go with this piece. I'm still toying with an idea of a small story just to tie up some loose ends, such as the dreams of Maglor, but for now...this tale has come to an end. Thank you all so much for the journey, until next time!